markgordie

Hi Guys, I understand the comments about these torque keys. I have been playing drums for over 40 years and still a gigging musician/studio work. There are so many variances when it comes to tuning. Everybody has different reasons, music type, venue, make of drums and a million other things we need to concern ourselves with. I have recently purchases one of these keys but have not used it yet. I am sure it will be a great starting point but here is another quick method I have used in the past that works. 1) Instead of tightening the lugs 'finger tight' when you first put the hoop on the drum, I tighten the lugs just to the point when they touch the hoop. 2) Then use a regular tuning key and turn the key 360 degress on each lug using he cross pattern method. 3) Check the head by pushing lightly in the middle of the head to make sure there are no wrinkles around the bearing edge at the hoop. 4) Then it usually takes another 1/4 turn on each lug to bring into tune. That is a very quick way to get to a decent pitch. If you want a long sustain on the drum when you strick it, tune the batter head slightly higher than the reso (another 1/4 turn). There is no magic or secret to tuning drums. It is just like anything else on a kit - practice. I've tuned to piano notes, tone generators, with guitars etc. Nothing seems to beat our ears. Just take your time, tune in a quiet room and don't get frustrated. Training your ears to tune is another rudiment we need to practice. I have worked for a couple of hours on one drum until it was at a note that I liked. As for the 'note' to tune your toms at as you work your way down the kit, I use the 'Three Blind Mice' song as a referenece. Sing the words 'Three Blind Mice' as we all know that song. Tune your highest (smallest) tom to where you like it and use the song to tune your next two toms. Again, it is a good starting point. My kit has 4 toms and there are times when I am playing 6 or 2 toms on the kit. Just have fun. Remember playing music is suppose to bring a smile to your face - not get all ticked off and frustrated. Enjoy the journey! Happy drumming my friends. Mark